I'm one of the countless mothers, constantly seeking inspiration for new tastes, recipes and interesting options. My favourite recipes are those which are simple, uses existing ingredients, tastes good and most importantly, liked by my kids.
So on this cloudy, wet afternoon, I was surveying both my kitchen and the Internet and settled on potato pancakes. (courtesy www.food.com). I customised the recipe to my interest and here's the new version
Ingredients (for 8 medium sized pancakes) :
1. Potatoes - 6 small (or 3 large)
2. Wheat flour - 5 tbsp
3. Semolina - 1 tbsp (optional)
4. Garlic - 1 pod (optional)
5. Ginger - 1/2 inch (grated)
6. Salt - to taste
7. Pepper powder - 1 tsp (adjust to preference)
8. Coriander - 1/2 cup (optional)
9. Oil - for cooking
10. Water - according to consistency
11. Baking powder - 1 tsp
Method
1. Boil and mash the potatoes into a a smooth mixture.
2. In a bowl, mix wheat flour, Semolina, grated ginger, salt, pepper powder and baking powder.
3. Add water and mix well to prepare batter. Add Coriander if desired.
4. Pour the batter in a pan without spreading and add oil. Cook till it turns brown on both sides.
5. Serve with tomato ketchup.
Hope you enjoy this simple and tasty recipe with your family.
"There are two ways of spreading light : to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it" - Edith Wharton.
In this complex world, driven by multitude of choices, dynamic decisions, competitive ways and conflicting ideals, it is easy to be led astray. Those moments, we seek to reduce the dissonance and gain control of ourselves to progress.
There are interesting ways in which great individuals achieve this. Some techniques are introspection , mentoring, discourse, prayer. Essentially, we all reach out to our basic value systems and assess what we truly cherish. In order to do so, we define or articulate some fundamental, yet abstract terms such as success, happiness, life etc.
Now, this is a task oriented article for my dear readers :
1. List out all the abstract terms which occurs to you. A personal journal and a pen is most handy.
2. Define each of these terms in your own words or expressions.
3. This is an optional step : share your ideals with your close friends and family and learn from each other. I may be one them :-)
You will be amazed by the revelation of your thoughts and ideas and also of your peers.
Hope this exercise connects you - with self and the world.
Awaiting inspiration from great minds..........
PS : I would like to hear from you and your opinion may be discreetly sent to janakirayasam@gmail.com (participation is voluntary)
All our life from childhood through adult, we have agreed that Health is Wealth and have read number of quotes about the importance of health. We cannot emphasize the benefits of good health nor ignore the consequences of associated disorders. However, it is the single overlooked factor as reported in the WHO fact sheet 2016. A staggering 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight and 60 million are obese. Women represent a 40% of this population and are at risk too. So the need of the hour is to plan for a healthy lifestyles and the two words which immediately spring up are Exercise and Diet. This article does not refute either of them, but highlights the salient features by comparison of benefits and contrast of implementation.
Before discussing the approaches in detail, it is important to be aware of our Energy Balance, BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), Age, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Family and individual Health History.An energy balance is analogous to a see-saw with energy in and energy out on either sides. If both are equal, a balance is achieved and weight remains stable. An increase in weight occurs when the intake is higher than spending and vice versa. BMR is essential to sustain the basic body functions and varies with each individual, based on age, activity, gender etc. Numerous publications by British Nutrition Foundation, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization have discussed the individual factors in great detail and provide a wealth of information.
Healthy eating for a healthy living.
A balanced diet comprises of five food groups – Cereals, Vegetables, Fruits, Dairy and Oils. The proportion can be determined individually in www.supertracker.usda.gov.. Based on your age, gender, height, weight, physical activity level and fitness goals, it prepares sample meal plans that are realistic and attainable. It is simple and free and only requires you to create a profile to monitor your plan. Diet and nutrition are invaluable in attaining the desired weight. In addition, healthy eating also offers other advantages such as boosting immunity, prevention of particular non communicable diseases such obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, opportunity to appreciate food from different cultures and emotional well-being. This approach may be adopted by everyone easily. However expectant mothers, infants, people with dietary restrictions need medical advice before implementing.
Physical activity and the benefits offered
Physical activity can be classified according to the intensity as moderate and vigorous. Moderate exercises include walking, cycling at slow speed, water aerobics etc. A minimum of 150 minutes per week is recommended for reducing weight and reaping other benefits. It may be combined with vigorous intensity exercise (running, dance aerobics, swimming laps etc. ) A minute of vigorous intensity exercise is equivalent to two minutes of moderate intensity exercise.
Exercises too offer a multitude of benefits such as maintaining healthy weight, reducing risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, dementia, colon cancer, joint pain etc. In addition, exercise improves and regulates sleep, optimizes calories consumption, enriches social life, reduces stress and increases the quality of life.
Both diet and exercise contribute to a healthy lifestyle and need systematic planning and commitment to goals. The choice of implementing these methods depends on the individual health factors and personal motivation.
"You ought to have some maturity. You cannot expect everyone to pamper you. " Sunil snapped at Madhu. "If you want respect, you can only command it. I don't have time or mood for the emotional drama. " Picking up his bag, he hurried off to work, banging the door shut.
Madhu stood still, allowing every word to sink in. It had started with her casually mentioning to Sunil about him forgetting their anniversary dinner, which she painstakingly arranged. The storm of the argument soon brought tears and she was engulfed in sorrow. "Why did I raise the topic, when I know he's insensitive ? It is better off not to make any plans involving him. Does he have any idea of pain, his words inflict ? What kind of relationship did I sign for ?"
Unable to hold back the floodgates of sorrow, she decided to visit her mother. An hour later, she was sipping tea in her mother's company. Her mother, Shobha intuitively guessed her upset mood and waited patiently. Presently Madhu blurted out " Sunil has changed a lot. He is no longer interested in this marriage. I can't seem to make it work. Would you mind if I stay here for a few more days ?"
Still, Shobha did not reply. Instead, she offered her cookies. Madhu did not understand the meaning behind her silence and ate the cookies, absently biting her tongue instead. She held her cheeks and winced in pain. Shobha immmediately gave her water and waited till the pain subsided. Then she said " Oh ! It seems very painful. Now your teeth is responsible for biting your tongue. What do we do ? Either we need to break the teeth or separate it from tongue."
Madhu said "Mom, come on. You know it is not possible. Is this your idea of philosophy ? I came to you for guidance and comfort. You are mocking at me."
Shobha replied "Dear, I am not mocking at your condition. I am only telling you that when your close relations or loved ones' remarks hurt or offend you, just compare it to the tongue bit. It definitely induces pain. But you cannot sever ties with them, just as you cannot break your teeth. When you can make up your mind to heal and forget the pain, it is also possible to forgive them and be peaceful and happy. Let go of whatever pains you and you will never be sad. "
Madhu listened and realized that her mother was right. Her cell phone rang. Sunil had called "Hi Madhu, I am sorry for my outburst today. Shall we go for a movie and dinner tonight ? " She happily agreed and hugged her mom. Shobha kissed her forehead and waved goodbye.
It is painful when our close friends or loved ones utter insensitive remarks or offend us. However, we can choose to treat it just as accidental bite on tongue and forgive them. After all, we still love each other and cannot imagine life without them.
Sweden is well known for its fika culture and suits my lifestyle. I find it absolutely rejuvenating to sip coffee in a classic cafe and unwind. You could also choose to take away a cup and enjoy as you travel, in a beautiful garden or overlooking a serene lake. Gothenberg is truly a paradise for someone who wish to blend gastronomic delights with a novel, a rendezvous with a friend or in a park.
I usually combine cappuccino (sometimes latte) and a piece of cake but also like to try out new options or the signature dishes of a cafe. It is indeed a feast for the taste buds, especially for someone with a sweet tooth.
I have the satisfaction of my fika experience in some of the best cafes like DeMatteo, En Deli, Biscotti and Chapmans condittori. I only mentioned them as i visit them often.There are many avenues unexplored and on my agenda.
I enjoy good coffee and other dishes but what actually endears me to this culture is the lasting bonds and deep conversations made with my friends and also the times spent in introspection. The most rewarding experiences are sharing fika with my children.
Now, I'll carry the tradition of a fika to deepen relationships with my dear ones and also to make new friends.
